Storm Damage to Your Roof? Here’s What to Do First

Thames corridor storms can cause serious roof damage across East London. High winds channel along the river, reaching speeds 15–20% higher than inland areas. When a storm hits, knowing what to do — and what not to do — in the first hours can prevent thousands of pounds of additional water damage.

Step 1: Stay Safe

Do not go onto your roof during or immediately after a storm. Do not lean ladders against a building in high winds. Do not attempt to tarp a roof yourself unless you have the equipment and experience to do so safely. Every year, East London A&E departments treat people who have fallen from roofs attempting emergency repairs. It is not worth the risk.

The Association of British Insurers reports that storm damage is the most common cause of buildings insurance claims in the UK, with an average claim value of £2,500–£4,000 for roof damage. Source: ABI Claims Data 2025.

Step 2: Contain Internal Water Damage

Place buckets, bowls, or washing-up bowls under active leaks. Move furniture, electronics, and valuables away from the affected area. If water is pooling on a ceiling, place a bucket underneath and carefully puncture the lowest point of the bulge with a screwdriver to release the water in a controlled way — the alternative is a ceiling collapse that dumps the water everywhere at once.

Step 3: Document the Damage

Before cleaning up, photograph everything — the leak source from inside, water damage to ceilings and walls, any visible external damage from ground level, and any personal property affected. This documentation is essential for insurance claims. Include timestamps (your phone camera does this automatically) and wide-angle context shots as well as close-ups.

Step 4: Call Your Roofer

Call a professional roofer for emergency make-safe work. A good emergency roofer will: answer 24/7, arrive within 1–2 hours, tarp or board the damaged area to prevent further water ingress, and provide a full damage assessment once conditions are safe. Emergency make-safe in East London typically costs £150–£350 depending on the extent of work needed.

Be wary of storm chasers — unlicensed operators who knock on doors after storms offering cheap repairs. They typically do poor work, overcharge, and disappear without a guarantee. Use a roofer you trust or one recommended by someone you know. Check for NFRC registration and public liability insurance before allowing anyone onto your roof.

Step 5: Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the damage to your buildings insurance provider as soon as possible. Most policies require notification within 24–48 hours. Provide the photographs you took and the emergency roofer’s assessment. Your insurer may send their own assessor or accept your roofer’s report — this varies by insurer.

Buildings insurance typically covers storm damage to the roof structure and covering, water damage to internal finishes, and emergency make-safe costs. It does not cover pre-existing wear and tear, gradual deterioration, or maintenance failures. If your roof was already in poor condition before the storm, the insurer may reduce or reject the claim on the grounds that the damage would have occurred regardless.

Common Storm Damage in East London

Ridge tile displacement: The most common storm damage across East London. Mortar-bedded ridge tiles are lifted by wind suction. Dry ridge systems prevent this entirely. Cost to re-bed: £35–55 per metre. Cost of dry ridge upgrade: £50–80 per metre.

Slate and tile blow-off: Wind lifts tiles and slates, especially where fixings have corroded. Victorian terraces in Hackney and Bow are particularly vulnerable to nail-sick slate loss. Cost: £150–£400 for localised replacement.

Flat roof membrane lifting: Wind gets under the edge of felt or single-ply membranes and peels them back. Post-war estates in Barking and Dagenham suffer this frequently. Cost: £200–£500 for re-bonding; full replacement if the membrane is compromised.

Chimney stack damage: Tall, exposed chimney stacks on Victorian properties can crack, lean, or shed bricks in severe storms. Cost: £300–£4,000 depending on whether repointing, partial rebuild, or full rebuild is needed.

Fallen tree damage: Trees through roofs require emergency make-safe, tree removal (separate contractor), and then full roof repair. Costs vary enormously depending on the extent of structural damage.

Storm damage to your East London roof? Call 0203 441 9626 for 24/7 emergency response. We aim to be on-site within 1–2 hours.